Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and Root Planing is the removal of bacterial plaque, stain, and calculus (tartar) from the tooth and root surface. Plaque accumulates on your teeth daily and contains bacteria that can cause gum disease. The minerals in your saliva calcify plaque to form calculus. Calculus provides a rough surface for the accumulation of more plaque and serves as a mechanical irritant to the surrounding tissue. The irritation inflames the gums allowing the harmful bacteria to penetrate the tissue and cause gum disease. We use both hand and ultrasonic scaling techniques.